“Painting is my passion. It is the reason I wake up every morning.” Ria Krishnan, artist, teacher and inspiration.
Today my friend Michele from Hello Lovely and I are each sharing an artist that we admire. I am excited to introduce you to Ria Krishnan and to meet Holly Irwin the artist that Michele will be featuring.
A few years ago while scrolling Instagram I came across Ria Krishnan. Her soft, ethereal landscapes “spoke to me” and transported me to another place, almost as if I was walking inside the painting. But Ria doesn’t just paint landscapes, she paints barns, boats, birds, sheep, flowers and most recently images from her recent travels too Bombay and Venice.
When I stand in front of a beautiful painting I long to learn about the artist, their inspiration, their techniques. Where did they study? What influenced them? Are they known for landscapes, plein air, portraits, or still-life? I like to know it all. Today we are going to learn the answers to these questions and more.
Artist Spotlight: Ria Krishnan
“I see myself as a storyteller. I paint from what I see and feel around me. Any experience that captivates me, finds its way on my canvas. I feel compelled to share those moments with others and I do it through my paintings. I want people to connect with my work and build their own stories from that connection. I consider it a privilege to be able to build relationships with people around me through my paintings. It is the most fulfilling part of my job.” ~Ria
Have you always painted?
Art has always been a part of my life. As a kid, I remember drawing with color pencils and crayons. It was something I did to entertain myself after finishing homework. My parents always encouraged it and supported this hobby by providing a bountiful of art supplies.
However, as I grew up Art took a backseat and I went ahead to study engineering. I didn’t love it but it rewarded me with a well paying job in the software industry. At this time I continued to paint in my spare time. I was in India at this time.
When or how did you become a professional from a hobbyist?
A couple years into the software job, I got married to my best friend and moved to the US. We had met in high school and he knew about my love for this craft and was extremely supportive. The US gave me a chance to start over. I found Art again and decided to study and learn the craft. I went ahead to take workshops with several accomplished artists in the US and got started. That was the beginning of my Art education & career. I continue to study the craft to this date.
What inspires you?
Nature/Landscapes. I love spending time outdoors. All my paintings are my humble attempt at capturing a moment in time. A fleeting moment that has spoken to me.
Why do you paint?
What is your Process like?
I love painting from life. It is the best way to learn. I paint en plein air (french term for outdoors) quite a bit. A lot of my little gems are finished on location. Larger pieces involve a lot more thought process. I love to sketch before starting a painting. It helps be understand my subject better.
How many paintings do you make in a month?
Painting is a very slow and labor intensive process. I paint a lot and try to make 3-4 little gems every month. However, sometimes I am lucky if I get a good painting. It doesn’t take too long to ruin the painting. The Little Gems, or small works, serve as studies for the larger pieces. They are perfect for small spaces. The Larger pieces take a few months to call them “finished.”
Do you make Custom Paintings?
Yes! I love creating custom works for people based on the photo(s) they provide. I have created several commissioned pieces over the years. It’s a process and I work with the collector to understand what they have in mind. Custom Paintings have allowed me to travel to places I’ve never been to!
Where can one see your work?
You can view and purchase my work original work as well as limited edition prints on my website.
Closing Thoughts About Art from Ria
Art is a lifelong journey. It’s a lifestyle. It takes tremendous time, effort and dedication to learn the craft and to maintain the skills. However, It is an acquired skill. If someone wants to learn, just pick up the brush and get started.
Details and Links to Ria Krishnan
In addition to her original painting your can purchase limited edition prints. Emerald Symphony(shown above) will be release on February 10th. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get the latest information about prints and workshops!
You can follow Ria Krishnan on Instagram
See Rias’ latest work and get information about upcoming workshops and limited edition prints.
Instagram or artist Website
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW
I hope you enjoyed learning more about Ria Krishnan her art and her painting process. Each one of these beautiful pieces would make a wonderful gift for you or your family and friends for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Don’t forget to hop over and visit Michele to learn about Holly.
Have a great day friends thank you for spending part of it with me.
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I have always SO admired artists! I can barely draw a stick. I loved hearing what she said about her art and what moves her to paint. Also that she started in one field and evolved into another: that proves that if you don’t get it right the first time, keep moving on.
Brenda
Brenda, Ria is amazingly talented! I admire all artists too.
Hi Brenda, Glad you like the answers :). There is always a second chance ❤️
Good answers!
Thanks William.
Ria’s artwork is the exact style that I love. Thank you so much for introducing me to this talented artist.
Paul, make sure you check out her website and the app to see her work in your own home!
Hi Paula, So happy you like my work. ❤️
HI Paula,
Glad you like my work. Thank you !
Thank you for sharing Rita’s work and life story. Her work is lovely
Thank you Mary! Ria is an amazing artist.
Hi Mary, Thank you ❤️
Thanks Mary !
Her work is absolutely amazing! So much talent.
Marieza, thank you! Ria is an amazing lady.
Oh, Elizabeth. Ria’s work is breathtaking and so timelessly divine. What a gorgeous tribute to her work and process you have brought here. And the fact that this artist is also an engineer? Right and left brain working so harmoniously? What a gift! Just so lovely to discover this beautiful art! xox
Thank you Michele! Ria is an amazing artist and it has been so fun to watch her grow as a painter. She is largely self taught and has continued to take workshops to improve.I love that she followed her dream and her passion and left engineering to do it. I cannot wait until we do this again! It was a pleasure to meet April!
xo Elizabeth
Thank you for introducing me to Ria’s work, Elizabeth! Her paintings put me in mind of the Impressionists, whose work I love. I enjoyed reading this interview very much. I’ll be featuring this post at the Hearth and Soul Link Party going live March 3rd.
April, thank you! I appreciate you sharing Ria, she is amazing.